Special Olympics USA National Games
Inaugural Event Held in Ames, Iowa
Ames, Iowa was the host of the first ever Special Olympics USA National Games. From July 2-7, 2006, Ames was transformed into an Olympic Village to host 3,500 athletes, 2,000 coaches and delegates, 12,000 family members and friends, 8,000 volunteers, and 30,000 spectators. This event featured thrilling athletic competition, exciting live entertainment, and terrific experiences that created lifelong memories.
Sunday’s opening ceremonies, which took place inside Hilton Coliseum at ISU, were attended by about 13,000 people. Comedian Tom Arnold acted as Emcee for the event. At the ceremony, participants lighted the National Games Cauldron. The event also featured the historic parade of athletes.
This competition was the first national event for Special Olympics, which dates back to 1968 when founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized the First International Summer Games at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
Participation has doubled in Special Olympics, from 6,700 in 1997 to 12,853 in 2005. Iowa now has the second-highest per capita U.S. participation. Worldwide, participation has doubled in the last five years from 1 million to 2.25 million.
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
This motto of the Special Olympics serves as a guide for all of us when we participate in athletics or other competitions.
Cyclone Country Aktion Club Participants
Raymond Folk, a member of the Cyclone Country Aktion Club, competed at this year's games. Great job Raymond!
